Baby Ingests Cologne: What Should You Do?

If a baby drinks cologne, the consequences can be dire. The attractive scents and ornate bottles of colognes and perfumes can entice children, but the high alcohol content can cause serious harm. Even a small amount of cologne can lead to stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and lethargy. Larger amounts can cause seizures or comas. If your baby has ingested cologne, it is crucial to act quickly. Give them a light snack and water to prevent a drop in blood sugar, and seek immediate medical attention by calling your local poison control center or taking them to the hospital.

What to do if your baby drinks cologne

Call poison control

If your baby has drunk cologne, it is important to act quickly and calmly. Firstly, try to establish how much cologne your baby has ingested. If it is a large amount (more than 30ml), take your baby to the hospital immediately. If it is a small amount, you can give them a light snack and plenty of water to prevent their blood sugar from dropping to dangerous levels. In both cases, you should call Poison Control for further instructions and peace of mind.

Poison Control can be contacted at 1-800-222-1222. They will ask you for information such as the amount ingested, the time of ingestion, your baby's age, weight, and general health status. They may also be able to find out the alcohol concentration of the cologne and calculate how much alcohol your baby has ingested. This information is crucial in determining the next steps and ensuring your baby's safety.

Poison Control may advise you to take your baby to the hospital for observation, even if they only ingested a small amount. In some cases, they may recommend online help or advise you to carefully watch for symptoms. It is important to follow their instructions and seek medical attention if any concerning symptoms appear.

Some signs and symptoms of cologne poisoning include:

• Stomach upset (nausea, vomiting, drooling)
• Alcohol-smelling breath
• Slurred speech or confusion
• Swaying while walking
• Lack of energy or lethargy
• Spiking temperature
• Constant crying
• Low blood sugar
• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Seizures or coma

If your baby is displaying any of these symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention, even if you have already called Poison Control.

Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your baby's health.

Give them water and light snacks

If your baby has ingested a small amount of cologne, it is recommended to give them plenty of water and light snacks while observing them for symptoms. This is important to prevent their blood sugar levels from dropping, especially if they have ingested a large amount.

You should aim to give them boiled and then cooled tap water, especially if they are younger than 6 months old. It is important to note that babies under 6 months old should only be consuming breastmilk or infant formula, and water should only be given in addition to these feeds if needed. Fruit juice, soft drinks, and cordial are not suitable for babies under 12 months old.

Along with water, you can give your baby mild yoghurt and light snacks. This will help to settle their stomach and prevent blood sugar level drops, which can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, seizures, or even coma if not treated.

Some symptoms to watch out for include:

• Stomach upset (nausea or vomiting)
• Alcohol-smelling breath
• Slurred speech or confusion
• Swaying while walking
• Lack of energy or lethargy
• Spiking temperature
• Constant crying and drooling

If your baby displays any of these symptoms, or if they have ingested a large amount of cologne, it is crucial to take them to the hospital immediately.

Observe symptoms

If your baby has ingested cologne, you should observe them for symptoms and seek medical help. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for:

• Stomach upset and nausea or vomiting: The baby may experience an upset stomach due to the harmful ingredients in the cologne. They may drool, spit, or vomit while crying, as the bitter taste of the cologne can be unpleasant.
• Alcohol-smelling breath: If the cologne contains alcohol, the baby may have alcohol on their breath, indicating they have ingested it.
• Slurred speech or confusion: Similar to the effects of alcohol consumption, the baby may exhibit slurred speech or confusion.
• Swaying while walking: You may notice the baby having difficulty balancing and swaying while trying to walk.
• Lack of energy or lethargy: The baby may become lethargic or show a lack of energy. They may appear sleepy or have a dip in their energy levels.
• Spiking temperature: A sudden increase in body temperature can be a cause for concern.
• Constant crying and drooling: The bitter taste of the cologne can lead to excessive crying and drooling.
• Burning sensation in the throat: The baby may experience a burning sensation or pain in the throat due to the chemicals in the cologne.
• Urinary difficulties: There may be changes in urine production, either increased or reduced.
• Increased heart rate: Pay attention to any signs of an elevated heart rate, which could indicate a serious reaction.
• Reduced blood pressure: Keep an eye on the baby's blood pressure, as a decrease can be a symptom of cologne poisoning.
• Low blood sugar: Ingesting cologne can cause a drop in blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous.
• Dizziness and lack of coordination: The baby may exhibit signs of dizziness and have difficulty with coordinated movements.
• Acting 'drunk': Similar to alcohol intoxication, the baby may exhibit signs of being "drunk," such as unsteady movements and slurred speech.
• Disorientation: They may appear disoriented and have a low level of alertness.
• Seizures or coma: In severe cases, if left untreated, the baby may experience seizures or even fall into a coma.

It is important to remain calm and act quickly by contacting emergency services or a poison control center. They will provide guidance on the next steps to ensure the baby's safety and well-being.

Take them to the hospital

If your baby has ingested a large amount of cologne, it is imperative that you seek immediate medical attention and take them to the hospital. While en route to the hospital, there are several steps you should take to ensure your baby's safety and well-being.

Firstly, contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or your local emergency number. They will provide you with instructions and guidance on how to proceed. Inform them about the details of the incident, including the amount of cologne ingested, the time of ingestion, your baby's age, weight, and general health status.

Secondly, monitor your baby's vital signs and symptoms closely. Watch for signs such as nausea, vomiting, increased or reduced urine production, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, low blood sugar, lethargy, weakness, disorientation, and lack of coordinated movement. These symptoms may indicate that your baby is experiencing cologne poisoning and requires immediate medical attention.

Once you arrive at the hospital, the medical professionals will take over and provide the necessary treatment. They may perform various tests to diagnose the condition, including clinical examinations, laboratory tests, and radiological studies. The treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms and may include medical management of symptoms, breathing support, repeated washing of the skin and eyes to eliminate any remaining traces of the substance, and the administration of activated charcoal, laxatives, and intravenous fluids.

It is important to bring the cologne bottle or container to the hospital, as this will help the medical team identify the specific ingredients and determine the appropriate treatment.

The prognosis for cologne poisoning depends on several factors, including the amount of substance consumed, the time between consumption and treatment, the severity of the symptoms, and the general health status of your baby. With early intervention and appropriate medical support, the outcome is generally good. However, severe symptoms, such as abnormal heart rate, seizures, or coma, can considerably worsen the prognosis.

Keep cologne out of reach

Keeping cologne out of reach is a crucial safety measure to prevent accidental ingestion by babies and young children. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure cologne is kept out of reach:

Store in a Safe Location

Place cologne bottles in a secure location that is out of reach and inaccessible to babies and young children. Ensure that they cannot climb or reach the cologne by placing it on a high shelf or in a locked cabinet.

Child-Proof Containers

Use child-proof containers for cologne products. This adds an extra layer of protection, making it more difficult for children to open the bottles.

Avoid Application in Presence of Young Children

Do not apply cologne in front of young children. They tend to imitate adult behaviours, and seeing you use cologne may prompt them to try it themselves when you're not around.

Educate Older Children

If you have older children who use cologne, educate them about the dangers of ingestion and the importance of keeping cologne out of reach of younger siblings. Teach them to always ask an adult for help if they need to apply cologne.

Be Mindful of Guests and Visitors

When hosting guests or visitors, especially those with young children, be mindful of leaving cologne bottles within their reach. Inform them about the dangers of cologne ingestion and request their cooperation in keeping their cologne out of reach as well.

Choose Baby-Safe Products

When selecting cologne, opt for baby-safe or hypoallergenic products specifically designed for babies and children. These products typically have milder formulations and are less likely to cause severe reactions in case of accidental ingestion.

Remember, taking these preventive measures is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of babies and young children. It only takes a moment for a curious child to reach for a cologne bottle, so always be vigilant and proactive in keeping cologne out of their reach.

Frequently asked questions